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One of the main reasons people shop online is convenience, which comes in the form of free delivery and nearly instant shipping times. Businesses must improve their delivery standards, as 80% of unhappy customers will not try out your company a second time. To keep your customers content, use the following methods to decrease delivery times instantly.
How to Decrease Delivery Times Effectively
1. Use Good Last-Mile Delivery Tracking Software
Without last-mile delivery tracking software, everyone will be in the dark about the drivers’ whereabouts. When this happens, customers are more likely to call your business multiple times to inquire about shipping times. You’ll spend valuable time calling your drivers and then calling your customers back for that information, which stifles productivity and profitability.
A great last-mile delivery tracking software will help you optimize your routes for speed and accuracy, monitor your routes for delivery tracking, and provide proof of delivery.
2. Invest in Local Warehouses
At first, investing in local warehouses across the United States will be expensive, but you’ll save thousands in the cost of delivery. It’s best to target high-traffic, populated areas at first, then work your way to American states within the center and small towns. With so much competition in large cities, you need to set yourself apart in bigger cities first to keep customers.
Since most consumers prioritize fast delivery times, a local warehouse will make that process easier. However, you won’t see a lot of improvement if you don’t keep local stock high.
3. Keep Stock High
If a product is displayed online, but you don’t have that item in stock, you won’t be able to honor your next-day/same-day delivery clause. That won’t just make your customers angry, but your poor attention to detail will make users less likely to trust you. Keep your stock high to avoid this problem or state in the description that delivery times will take longer for the next week.
Your customers love to stay informed and are less likely to be upset if they know what they’re in for. If they know they’ll have to wait an extra day or two, their expectations will still be met.
4. Get Better at Predicting Demand
No retailer has a crystal ball that can predict what products will stay high in demand, but if you’re noticing specific items are popular with your client base, then prioritize them. Some products will be state or city-specific, and trends will have an impact on item popularity. It’s important that you’re constantly checking your sales numbers to prepare your stock better.
Most retailers fear they’ll order too much of something that will wane in popularity. Although that can happen, through experience, you’ll have an easier time separating trends for mainstays.
5. Maintain Good Relationships With Carrier Partners
Without a reliable carrier, you can kiss your delivery times goodbye. Most startups will start with their own delivery drivers, but you’ll need to ask for help from national and international carriers who already have established networks as you scale. FedEx and UPS are commonly used because they have service locations all over the US, but you aren’t limited to them.
Maintain good relationships with your carriers by making timely payments and providing them with up-to-date information that makes delivery easier, like stock and customer details.
6. Create Realistic Deadlines
As mentioned in “Keep Stock High,” customers like to stay informed about shipping details and your estimated delivery time. If you expect to take on a larger sales load, like for holidays, clearance sales, or special events, ensure you tell your customers that delivery times may be affected. If your customers are made aware ahead of time, you’ll retain their business.
To accurately determine how long your delivery time will take, speak to your carrier partners to get an idea of how behind they are on shipping and add a couple of days to stay safe.
